A Word from Bill Rusin
Secondary Teacher
Several years ago, Iain Provan, an Australian academic theologian spoke at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C.:
Be dangerous to those who worship money and material possessions – the idols of mammon. Lay bare the utopianism at the heart of modern economic ideology. Deride the universal expectation of more. Unmask the false gods; and proclaim that Jesus is Lord.
In the front rows, the graduating class sat enthralled. At the back, other students shifted excitedly in their seats, some whispering agreement as Provan’s language soared.
I charge you, most seriously . . . [to] be dangerous to all who, in the pursuit of [false] gods, damage other people, and damage God’s good creation. Be dangerous to the powerful who want to use and oppress the weak, and to the rich who want to use and oppress the poor. (Confront) those who diminish the importance of the individual person, in the womb or in the twilight years, or in between – to those who trample the individual soul, out of deference to the convenience of other family members, the health of the economy, the good of the state, or the well-being of the planet. Don’t be safe… and certainly don’t (just) be nice. Be good. Be Godly.’
Sometimes we play down the significance of the reality of the Christian faith and its impact while we “do life”. We are afraid of making people feel uncomfortable, afraid that our relationship with them might take a turn for the worse. However, if we genuinely believe our own rhetoric, then we have no choice but to consider Provan’s exhortation. A Christian school, while being a place that nurtures children and cares for them deeply is a place that challenges students to be good, godly, and yes, willing and strong enough to confront the idolatry of the day that declares that the good life is defined by wealth and consumption.
I am glad that Kuyper Christian School is one that is seeking to produce students who will be wise enough to affirm what is good in the world, and willing to confront those things that promote injustice and are devoid of mercy. This is a long term endeavour that requires diligence and wisdom by those who have been given the task of teaching; mums and dads, teachers, trusted adults. That is why partnership is so important; that our children do not get too many conflicting voices pulling against each other. They are in a world that is confusing enough. If nothing else, I hope that they understand the power and extraordinary implications of the phrase “Jesus is Lord”.
I have appreciated the opportunity to work at Kuyper in 2020 in my 32nd year of working in Christian schools. Thank you for trusting me to help shape your children’s hearts and minds. It is weighty work that we are engaged in. May God strengthen and enable us to continue to seek to do His work in this most vital sphere of life.
Reminders
- The Parent Portal and Kuyper App will be the primary vehicle for day-to-day communications between the school and parents in 2023. The School Calendar, weekly news, event advice and other essential functions will only be available in the Parent Portal and Kuyper App. At least one parent/carer from each household where your child resides needs access to the portal or app. If you are not already using the App, or need assistance resetting your user account and password, call 4573 2999 and we will assist you to connect.
- Nurture Magazine has been sent home to each family via their eldest child. Look for an article by our very own Ruth Thompson on page 20.
- Lost Property is over-flowing. Please come and check if any of it is yours, as lost property will be discarded or re-sold at the end of the year.
- Parents are reminded to continue testing for COVID and advise us if there is COVID in their household. If concerned, we encourage students to wear a mask at school for their own and others’ protection. In line with NSW Health recommendations, we also ask that close contacts wear a mask indoors and on public transport (including the Kuyper bus) and test regularly. We still have a good supply of RAHT kits. Contact the Office if you would like some sent home.
- Reminder to parents to ensure that all fees are paid by the end of year. Contact the Office if you have any concerns.
- Families who rely on the Busways service need to know that there have been some changes to the timetables until the end of term. Use the buttons below to access the temporary timetables for Term 4.
Prayer & Praise
- Praise God that he continues in his sovereignty through all circumstances. Praise him that he is “the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God” (1 Timothy 1:17), and that he loves us.
- Give thanks for holidays, breaks and changes in rhythm. Pray for connection, peace and safety for all our families during these school holidays. Pray for connection and community to grow for all at Kuyper Christian School, particularly at Limelight!
- Pray for school families and staff families who are coping with illness and accident: Faithfull, Hill, Eastlake, Armstrong, Gubbins, Huxley, Daly. Pray for good rest, connection and healing for all our families, staff and students.
- Give thanks for our Government and those in authority. Pray that they would be led in wisdom and truth to lead our country for the future good of all. Pray that “every person be subject to the governing authorities.” Give thanks that our government has been “instituted by God” (Romans 13:1).
- Give thanks for our Board and Executive team as they interview potential new staff members. Pray for one-ness of purpose for our staff, Board, Executive team, and Association as they plan, prepare and budget for 2023. Praise the Lord for His provision to us all the time.
News & Notices
Employment at Kuyper Christian School
Applications are invited from Christians of Reformed persuasion who identify with the School ethos and can demonstrate their Christian faith in Jesus as a priority in their life.
Bus Driver
This is a temporary part time position, 5 days per week – split shift. The successful applicant will be responsible for bus driving duties which will include, but not be restricted to, morning and afternoon school bus runs, excursions and sporting activities during school terms, to commence in Term 1, 2022.
Requirements:
- MR driver’s licence
- Working with Children Check
- COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
Administration Support
This is a temporary part time position, 2 days per week, during school terms, to commence in Term 1, 2022.
Duties:
- Supporting the Administration team
- Administering First Aid
- Managing a busy reception, serving staff, parents, and students
Requirements:
- Working with Children Check
- COVID-19 Vaccination certificate
- First Aid certificate
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Strong organisation skills, and flexibility
- Competent computer skills including MS Office and Google
- Ability to prioritise and work independently
Desirable:
- MYOB
- Edumate
- Adobe
All applicants must complete an application form which can be found on our website https://kuyper.nsw.edu.au/employment/
Applications close 5:00pm Friday 24 December, 2021.
Please send your application, including CV, to Ian Shaw: ishaw@kuyper.nsw.edu.au
Limelight is Tonight!
Limelight is here! From 5pm – 6:30pm today all kinds of stalls will be operating on the Village Green. Eftpos will be available for a limited number of stalls, so you will need to bring cash. Food and drink will be selling for $1 – $5. Some craft and speciality items may cost more. Christmas hampers are on sale for $35 – $75 each. All money raised by Kuyper at Limelight will be donated to Vanuatu.
From 6:30pm, stalls will close and students will entertain and delight us with their performances in the Hall. We are planning, preparing and praying for a wonderful evening of celebration and fellowship. We look forward to celebrating 40 years of Learning in God’s World with you.
Secondary Sausage Sizzle Tomorrow!
Tomorrow, students will be holding a sausage sizzle for Secondary students and staff (sorry Primary students!).
Sausage sandwiches will be $3 and drinks will be $2. Come to the Food Technology room at lunch time to purchase.
For all students, Zooper Doopers will be sold at the Hall during recess and lunch for $1. Don’t forget to also wear non-uniform and bring a gold coin!
All money raised will be donated to Compassion and Operation Christmas Child. Thank you all very much for your support.
New Website
Hooray! Our New Website is here. Check us out at https://kuyper.nsw.edu.au/, and tell your friends!
Thanks to Elevate Creative for the website build, Natural Focus Photography for some fabulous new promo shots, and to all the students, staff and parents who took part.